2021 CUPRA Leon 300 MK4 Review - Still a GTI Beater?

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As a MK3.5 Cupra owner, and driver of many GTi's, R's, S3's and so on, I was keen to discover what the new MK4 CUPRA Leon has to offer. So I was thrilled when I got an invite from CUPRA Media UK to attend the range review at Caffeine & Machine to test it out!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Exterior
04:14 - Interior
10:20 - Test Drive
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#Cupra #Cupra300 #mk4

[@craigchapman1761]

Top review bro thanks for the videos

[@LJMRACING]

Excellent vid!

[@jamesnicholls9357]

Sold my mk3.5 and have the vz3 300 on order. Very good vid!

[@shnurkl]

Test drove a VZ3 last week and came to the same conclusion as yourself. Steering feels a lot tighter than my MK3 300. Traction off the line is noticeably more consistent over a number of spirited starts. Seats are great. I was ready to sign on the dotted line until I was told about the lack of wheel options and the removal of the engine start and driver profile button from the wheel. Baffling decision making for the U.K. market.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Glad you agree having driven one yourself, definitely nice improvements but so many people have made the same comments about the specification differences between the UK and EU variants. Big mistake in my opinion!

[@njwracingable]

nice work mate

[@alixldn]

Thanks for the review, i prefer the 3.5 way more, have it in dark grey, can you do a lights comparison? I think the 3.5 was spot on with rear and front lights, modern, and unique.

[@willotoole4118]

Looks great in red

[@toadscrote123321]

I made a point of getting my new mk3 before this arrived as I really don't like the styling. But that's all just opinion, I'm sure many will like it. And the infotainment system hasn't only put me off this but also the new Golf.

[@markwaite3627]

I have a 3.5 and there is bits of the old model and bits of new i like . Front of the mark is a bit too Tarraco for my taste but i do like the rear of it . But cheers for video really nicely done and informative 👍

[@ItsDanLatham]

I do agree! My Formentor review is up now and I think that is much nicer on the eye, especially compared to its rivals. Thanks for the feedback! 👍🏻

[@daYoko]

Will be ordering a VZ3 in the next few days :) I have only ever owned Ford's and currently have a Puma ST which is amazing to drive, but build quality just isn't there for a 30k car. Can't wait! Real shame about the lack of copper brembos and copper wheels (and especially the steering wheel buttons! Godddd!!!!) but still excited.

[@ItsDanLatham]

You'll love it, but I totally agree on the spec issues!

[@Lewis_Treff97]

Seen one of these at a dealership when I went to test drive a 1.4tsi hybrid seat leon. I personally like how it looks but I think the mk4 seat leon fr sport actually looks more aggressive than the cupra but the rear of the cupra looks better. I have noticed the 1.4 hybrid has side skirts but none of the other engines in the range have it

[@formentorvz5]

Thanks for the honest impressions. As a Mk 3.5 owner who has also driven the Formentor recently I can confirm alot of what you said. The steering is slightly improved and the seats are way more comfortable, however I got some rattles in the interior which my Mk 3.5 does not have. So im not sure about the quality actually being better in the new generation. Also I really hated the infotainment. On the other hand, the ambient lighting was much nicer and it even served as a warning for vehicles in the blind spot. From the outside its a win for the Mk 3.5 for me, however compared to the Formentor I think its a draw. Exhaust sound is noticeably better on the Mk 3.5, however I got one without the particular filter so the comparison is slightly unfair. So I would make the point to go a) buy or stick with the Mk 3.5 or b) if you really want the new generation, buy a Formentor.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Yep I’m pretty much completely agreed! I found the infotainment and improvement in terms of features, but a bit fiddly and still prone to freezing. But the driving experience is a nice improvement. I’ve had a 3.5 with the filter and without, and the noise difference is huge. The Formentor is definitely the pick of the bunch, I’d have no complaints with one of those as a daily - I have a video on that car also in 310 guise. Thanks for tuning in and leaving your thoughts!

[@dalecheeseman]

I'm interested in that copper usb cable you have there 👀, where do I acquire such an item..?

[@ItsDanLatham]

It came with my car, you might be able to purchase them directly from SEAT !

[@leefoster8015]

Have you any idea what tyres the 300's are shipping with? See the Hankooks are on that one, unfamiliar with the brand and always thought they were budget but you seemed pretty happy with how it put power down? Also did you notice any other way to change driving mode other than touchscreen without the Cupra button?

[@ItsDanLatham]

As far as I know it has to be done through the touchscreen annoyingly. Hankooks are usually fairly budget but I was really impressed with the launches, hooked up better than my mk3 with PS4s. Way better than the continentals they used to put on the mk3 from factory.

[@leefoster8015]

@@ItsDanLatham OK cheers, if they grip well enough but wear faster than Michelins that's fine with me.

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@leefoster8015 only one way to find out !

[@n8n8n8n]

I really like the mk3 design overall, but damn, this mk4 looks so much better. Also the infotainment systemis just on another level.

[@ItsDanLatham]

The most impressive thing for me is how much more composed it is on the road vs the mk3

[@dazzwsmith]

M4 looks like the M3 after an acid attack.

[@DrNitin14]

Have the new vz3 on order very excited.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Congrats! I was thoroughly impressed with how much more composed it is compared to the previous generation. Any mods planned or keeping it standard ?

[@DrNitin14]

@@ItsDanLatham cheers. Nothing major planned in terms of mods as it's a lease car, may change the tyres. It's my first hot hatch, so very excited coming from 150 psi golf. I'm a bit disappointed by 2 things with the UK specs though. Great review for covering. First of all I thought brembos came as standard and also I liked the start and cupra modes on the steering wheels. Don't understand why they'd change that betwee regions. Out of curiosity did you manage to see what brand of tyres came with the cars you test drove? The EU models reviewed earlier came with bridgestone Potenza s005's and I was curious to see how they were because if they are anything like the Potenza Sports they could be great!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@DrNitin14 Thats a nice upgrade. I came from a mk7 golf GTD which was remapped so not as much of a leap. I agree with the spec issue - the Formentor has the steering wheel but the Leon doesn’t. The brembos should have been on the vz3 and I think the EU spec wheels too. As for tyres, the whole press fleet were on Hankooks. They weren’t the best but in all fairness the tweaks that have been made to the diff/ESP/chassis, whatever it is, seem to make the dreaded cupra wheel hop a thing of the past. As you can see in the video, even just stomping on the throttle never resulted in any major hopping or wheelspin with traction control switched on. Impressed considering they’re not the best tyres!

[@DrNitin14]

@@ItsDanLatham yes I was in course for a gti and then haptic steering wheel was introduced and I lost all interest haha. The fiddly centre console I can manage on this cupra because I still have buttons on my steering wheel. Agreed with you about the brakes and wheels. The aerodynamic vz3 wheels look like they should only be kn the hybrid. Bummer about the Hankooks thry make alright tyres but I'll definitely be replacing them if I get them, probably for the pilot sports 4s or Potenza Sports. Mines a factory order as I opted for adaptive cruise control (because I can't live without it for motor way driving now) Think its been delayed but I'll update you when I get it. Subbed. Keep up the good work with UK content.

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@DrNitin14 The infotainment is a big upgrade on the previous gen, but I wasnt too keen on the satnav graphics compared to the mk3 and it was a bit laggy at times. But the inclusion of all the tech as standard is nice and most users default to carplay/android auto which both look great on the new display. Shame about the tyres yes but as I say I was impressed all things considered. I have PS4’s on my MK3.5 and I felt just as much confidence in the MK4 because of how much more tight the steering feel was and how well it handled the power through the front wheel drive system. Im sure if i had pressed on in some tighter turns the lesser tyres would have started to make a difference, but it was worlds apart from the experience I had in the MK3.5 on the factory Continentals which were poor! Thanks for the feedback, hope to do lots more like this in the future. 👍🏻

[@ryanjones5594]

The front end and side profile looks excellent on the hatch. The way the side crease almost merges over the rear above the light bar just gives that slightly prominent bulge that I'm not keen on. The steering wheel buttons and wheel options are a bit of a let down

[@ItsDanLatham]

Totally agree! I think it works much better in the Formentor. The hatch is much better looking in person than the ST. I think they should have brought all the European options to the UK. Overall it does grow on you though.

[@ryanjones5594]

@@ItsDanLatham I have actually ordered a VZ3 300, though I was only able to test drive the hybrid at my local dealer (wasn't that impressed - felt quite cumbersome and just strange in power delivery), but I did drive a 290 mk3.5 last year and thought it was an excellent car that was easy to drive fast. I have however since discovered the lack of brembos, steering wheel buttons and the plastic inserts in the aero rims which have disappointed me...

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@ryanjones5594 it is a shame, but as a mk3.5 owner trust me when I say the mk4 300 feels like a better car to drive! The steering feel is much more reassuring and it puts the power down more efficiently, so don’t be too disheartened with the missing EU options.

[@JP_RS6]

I got the MK3.5 Cupra 290 i'm not sold on the new looks, only like the rear end everything else they can keep lol. I'll be supping up my 290 to 380ish hp, bigger intake, intercooler / hybrid turbo PS4S all the way round. Got it all booked.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thats going to be awesome! Need to get my hands on a remapped car for comparison.

[@JP_RS6]

@@ItsDanLatham I'll give you a shout out when its all done and dusted :) will probably tear the front wheels loose, hoping the dogbone mounts and PS4S's do the job to reign it in. They are fantastic now so got high hopes :)

[@thepeller210]

Previous mk 3.5 model looks a lot better with a better interior but I'll have to move onto to MK4 if cheap deals come through. The price is outrageous compared to the S3/GTi Clubsport. The price gap has closed to much. I know what I'd have 😉

[@ItsDanLatham]

I've already seen a few lease deals creeping up but nothing like what we saw on the MK3.5 yet. We shall see. I preferred the interior of the MK4 overall but missed the alcantara. I agree on pricing though...

[@thepeller210]

@@ItsDanLatham Good review, it's just a damn shame the price is so close to a Golf Clubsport. I seen a review of the ST 4 Drive, 42k specced for a SEAT!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@thepeller210 I'd love to get some time in the clubsport if I can! Personally I'd have a Formentor over the ST 4Drive. I have a review of the Formentor 310 4Drive coming soon, I was really impressed with it and it was around that price point.

[@mattriley324]

The side profile looks unfinished to me, if it had a side skirt it would look much more like a cupra should do. Good video, shame about the sound issue bet you were gutted!

[@ItsDanLatham]

I’m interested to see what third party kit does to it such as maxton! Yes very annoying but it was much worse before editing so not a total loss. I’ve bought a replacement so hopefully I can be forgiven!

[@dancooper2072]

I prefer old Leon from side. Sharper looking but I prefer the front and back of new one

[@name1017]

Old model is way much better looking.

[@antop4597]

I'm not a massive fan of the new cupra, the front is ok i guess but for me the rear end puts me off, not a fan of the alloys either i think the mk3 are a lot better although when they chip it's really easy to spot and is annoying as fuck lol. I'm open minded though, maybe in time the look of it will grow on me like mercedes did when they face lifted the 2018 or 2019 (cant remember which) a class

[@GreatHealer.]

A mk3 owner myself the mk4 is obviously newer etc but I prefer the look of the mk3 the upgrade to me looks to much like a mazda and not a head turner like the previous model.

[@billx4266]

I have a MK7 clubsport GTI 3 doors, i dont like this leon also i dont like the MK8 clubsport.... My love for VW and its cousins are over now. The prev leon was also a much better looking car then this generation. Its as if they want to push us to the EV market

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thats just the thing, unfortunately they are pushing for that, all manufacturers are being forced to go electric due to legislation. I’ll be checking out the all electric Cupra Born soon, I hear its pretty fun so theres hope yet! This generation definitely drives better than the last, but I agree that the styling doesn’t work as well as the previous model.